With Will Stanhope and Alex Honnold's latest escapade of the 3rd free ascent of Southern Belle I got to thinking about climbing's greatest partnerships; the ones that have produced not just one but a string of notable ascents.

What are some partnerships that have inspired you and what are their accomplishments?

Seriously: Bill Austin and Jack Lehrberger, two cavers from the 1950s and 1960s who made some major discoveries in the Flint Ridge Cave System, Kentucky (now part of Mammoth Cave). They were "out there" before anyone knew what "out there" was.

EDIT: To add serious contribution rather than derail the thread with stupid humor.

Hi No F. and G. joke. He was talking about Lionel Terray (numerous first ascents all over the world including in Himalaya) and Louis Lachenal (third ascent of North face of Eiger among others) both with speed ascent of several mountains. You should read more about mountaineering ...

Hi No F. and G. joke. He was talking about Lionel Terray (numerous first ascents all over the world including in Himalaya) and Louis Lachenal (third ascent of North face of Eiger among others) both with speed ascent of several mountains. You should read more about mountaineering ...

I was well aware of to whom he was referring, I was referring to me derailing the thread with the Fred and Ginger reference. That's why I added a serious answer also.

Yes, I should read more mountaineering literature. Why don't you buy me a few new books to add to my current collection of several hundred ?

Messner and Habeler were criticized by many for their techniques. Some climbers considered them foolhardy, risking brain damage and death from the severe oxygen restriction. Despite this, they continued with their minimalist methods, forcing some exercise physiologists to reconsider their theories about human limitations at high altitudes. Surprisingly, although Messner has been found to have a very strong physique, his respiratory ability is similar to that of "an above-average marathon runner," according to Jamie Murphy in Time, meaning that although he is genetically gifted, he is not unlike thousands of other athletes. What sets him apart, Murphy noted, is his drive to succeed.